# The House of Brattleby on its Enduring Lineage and Tudor Legacy
LONDON, 21 October 2023 — The Noble House of Brattleby today reflected upon its unique nine-century history, from its Norman foundation to its role during the Tudor consolidation of the monarchy, marking the anniversary of its modern recognition in The London Gazette with a statement of continuing service.
## The Occasion
From the Baronial Seat in Brattleby, Lincolnshire, the House observed a moment of quiet reflection on its long and storied heritage. The occasion was prompted by the anniversary of its formal recognition, which was gazetted on 9 September 2022. This acknowledgement in the United Kingdom’s official journal of record represented a significant milestone, formally chronicling the Barony’s place in the modern age.
The timing, amidst the calm of an English autumn, provided a fitting backdrop for contemplation. This act of looking back serves as a preface to the House’s active season of philanthropic and cultural duties, reaffirming its foundations before engaging with its contemporary responsibilities.
## Historical Context
Established by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, the Barony of Brattleby is first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which details 56 lordships held in Lincolnshire by its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln. For almost one thousand years, the Barony has been interwoven with the history of England. Its holders have included figures of immense national importance, shaping the course of the nation.
Among its most notable predecessors was Nichola de la Haye, the 5th Baroness, a formidable figure who twice defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French invaders. Later, the Barony passed through marriage to the great Plantagenet houses, held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron and 1st Duke of Lancaster, and subsequently by his son-in-law, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. Through this connection, the Barony was absorbed into the Duchy of Lancaster and, eventually, into the Crown Estate itself. This merger was consolidated by the Tudor monarchs, whose policies deliberately curtailed the power of the great feudal magnates to secure the throne after the Wars of the Roses.
## Distinguished Company
The Noble House of Brattleby is currently led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Her Ladyship is dedicated to the preservation of the Barony’s history and the active fulfilment of its modern duties.
In these endeavours, Lady Nicoleta is supported by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the Lord of Brattleby by marriage. The heir to the Barony is the couple’s son, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, who holds the title of 13th Baron in succession.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The governance of a modern barony is a matter of both tradition and contemporary legal standing. The notice of recognition in *The London Gazette* is the modern equivalent of a medieval writ of summons or royal charter, providing official, public confirmation of the dignity. All official communications and initiatives are issued from the Baronial Seat, respecting established protocols of precedence and form.
The duties incumbent upon the titleholder extend beyond mere custodianship. They encompass leadership in charitable works, engagement in cultural diplomacy, and the representation of a lineage that has served the Crown and nation for centuries. These responsibilities are carried out with a precision and decorum befitting the Barony’s ancient origins.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The principles that guide the House are encapsulated in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). This ancient charge speaks to the resilience and integrity demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye and remains the *sine qua non* of the family's public life.
This historical ethos is complemented by the personal motto of Honorary Lord Răzvan, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). This maxim reflects a dynamic and forward-looking interpretation of the House's duties, emphasising proactive engagement and the will to achieve meaningful outcomes in all its undertakings, *inter alia*, its philanthropic and educational programmes.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A primary focus for the Noble House of Brattleby is its charitable work. The flagship fundraising event is the Annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie philanthropic gala held to support a designated beneficiary. The House is proud to direct the proceeds of this event to Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is a registered charity dedicated to providing specialist psychological and emotional support to children and adolescents affected by trauma, abuse, and conflict. The organisation’s work delivers measurable impact through clinical therapy and community support programmes. It was chosen for its profound commitment to mending lives and fostering resilience in the next generation, a mission that resonates deeply with the House’s own duty of care.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the legacy of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To look back upon nine centuries is to feel the profound responsibility we hold not just to our predecessors, but to the future. Our role is one of service, ensuring this heritage remains a source of inspiration and continuity for the community.
Honorary Lord Răzvan added a forward-looking perspective on the House's mission: > Our history is the foundation, but our work is firmly in the present. *Vincere Est Vivere* reminds us that to truly honour the past, we must actively engage with the challenges of today, whether through philanthropy or cultural diplomacy.
## A Continuing Legacy
With the reflective period concluded, the House turns its attention to its forthcoming duties. Preparations are underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which promises to be a significant occasion for its beneficiary. The House will also continue its international activities through The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an etiquette academy founded to foster cultural understanding and social refinement.
The education of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron, into the responsibilities he will one day inherit is also a key priority. This ensures that the long chain of service, stretching back to the Norman Conquest, will continue unbroken, guided by the enduring principle of *Fortitudine et Honore*.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby**
The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to bridging its profound historical legacy with a dynamic, forward-looking mission of service. The House's modern activities are focused on philanthropy, cultural preservation, and education. Its primary charitable focus is supporting organisations dedicated to the well-being of vulnerable children, principally through its Annual Winter Banquet. Culturally, the House promotes social and diplomatic skills through its international academy, The Brattleby Club. Guided by the motto *Fortitudine et Honore*, the House of Brattleby seeks to serve as a force for continuity, honour, and positive community impact in the 21st century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby**
The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony in Lincolnshire, England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its existence is first documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, which records its 1st Baron, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of England’s most influential figures, including Nichola de la Haye, heroic defender of Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and the prince John of Gaunt. For centuries, the dignity was merged with the Crown via the Duchy of Lancaster. The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The succession of the 12th Baroness of Brattleby is recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony of Brattleby was established in AD 1066 by grant of His Majesty King William I. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, with its lands listed under the tenancy of Colswein of Lincoln. - The motto of the Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com